How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?
For years now, Invisalign has been a revolutionary way to straighten teeth. Patients from all over the country enjoy the fact the aligners are virtually transparent, meaning no one will be able to see them when you smile. You can also remove them for up to two hours every day, allowing you to eat in peace. One more fantastic advantage of Invisalign is that they can straighten your teeth much faster than traditional braces. Although, if you're wondering how long will it take for Invisalign to straighten your teeth, the answer is that it varies from person to person. You should start to see a difference in only two to three months.
Factors That Influence Treatment Time
In general, Invisalign should straighten your teeth in just 12 to 18 months. You can get a more accurate reading on how long does Invisalign take to work by talking to Dr. Stacy Tracy or Dr. Roxane Huber. Some of the factors include:
• The distance by which the teeth need to move
• The pace of teeth movement
• Number of the teeth that need to be moved
• How compliant the patient is with using the Invisalign treatment
• The complexity of the case
Our Invisalign dentists in Tempe will give you an idea of how long you will need to wear the aligners at your first consultation. Your Invisalign consultation is also the time when you will learn what additional orthodontic treatments you may need as well as the cost of the overall procedure.
How Long Does Invisalign Take for Crowded Teeth?
Many people suffer from overcrowded teeth. As long as the crowding is mild, a patient could see results in between six and 12 months. However, more severe overcrowding will naturally take more time. In this instance, Invisalign may not even be the preferred treatment. Our dentists will first need to examine your teeth and recommend the best orthodontic treatment for your needs.
How Long Does Invisalign Usually Take to Close Gaps?
Invisalign is only recommended for closing gaps if the gap in question is less than six millimeters wide. In this instance, the aligners could take up to 24 months to close it. In the event a patient has multiple gaps in a smile or the gap is too wide, then Invisalign will not be effective at closing it.
What Should People Know About Invisalign Before Starting?
You need to wear the invisible aligners for a minimum of 22 hours every single day for the orthodontics to work. You should only remove them to drink, eat, and brush your teeth. Before starting, you will need to ask yourself if you can commit to that regimen. That includes being able to wear Invisalign while you sleep. If you have any concerns about sticking to this schedule, then you need to speak to your dentist about finding another orthodontic treatment to help you.
One advantage many people enjoy about Invisalign is the fact they do not have to alter their diet. They can continue to eat crunchy and sticky foods because there is no concern for the substances sticking to brackets and wires. Before you put Invisalign back in your mouth after eating, you must brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth ensures none of the substances get on the inside of the structures. You increase your chances of tooth decay and decrease the likeliness that the procedure will work if you do not brush your teeth after eating anything.
How Should You Get Started?
If you are ready to see if Invisalign is a viable option for your smile, then schedule a consultation at Tempe Smile Design right away. Our experienced dentists will look at your smile and suggest the best course of action for your needs. You should contact us today to set up your next appointment or to ask any more questions you have about Invisalign.